2017 Buick Envision 2.0T AWD

China sends Buick a capable wallflower.

Despite producing recent flashy auto-show darlings such as the Avista and Avenir concepts, Buick and its offerings have never been a substitute for Red Bull around C/D headquarters. It’s a sentiment that extends to the brand’s new Envision compact luxury crossover, which for 2017 begins its first full year on sale. (It debuted as a late 2016 model.) Yet to completely dismiss this China-built crossover for being bland is to overlook its sound execution within an increasingly crowded segment.

Easy Does It

The Buick’s generic, lifted-wagon design quickly fades into the scenery when parked in a lot full of two-box utility vehicles. Save for its shiny waterfall grille, the Envision is almost completely devoid of visual character, especially in our test car’s muted Galaxy Silver Metallic paint ($395). Our particular example was a range-topping Premium II model, which starts at $45,885 and climbed to nearly $50K with its added $1495 panoramic sunroof and the $1545 Driver Confidence package (adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system). Premium and Premium II Envisions come only with the 2.0-liter turbo engine that makes a respectable 252 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 2000—a significant upgrade over the 197-hp 2.5-liter. Also included is all-wheel drive, which, unlike the optional system in lesser models, includes a torque-vectoring rear axle that apportions thrust from side to side to help rotate the vehicle in corners. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic that engages top gear as quickly as possible is the only transmission offered.

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What you won’t find in the Envision is a sport setting or paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. (There is an awkward +/- toggle on the gearshifter, though.) Despite the Premium’s high-tech chassis, including the trick rear axle and GM’s HiPer Strut front suspension (a multilink setup sits out back), the Envision’s tuning brings secure and obedient road manners rather than extra capability. There’s zero torque steer under heavy throttle, the helm feels direct if entirely numb, and the assistance of vectored torque at the rear does an admirable job of diminishing understeer in corners. The softly sprung suspension borders on floaty, but there’s enough discipline in the body’s motions to keep the handling relatively neat at moderate speeds. Premium versions also upgrade from standard 18-inch wheels to 19s fitted with 235/50-sized Hankook Ventus S1 Noble 2 all-season tires, which quickly run out of grip when pushed but help the suspension smooth out broken pavement. The Envision’s insular ride is its standout feature in a herd of overly stiff crossovers on big wheels.

The compact Buick’s performance at the test track was largely forgettable, save for an impressive 159-foot stop from 70 mph—a good 10 feet shorter than what most similar SUVs can muster. Our test car weighed 4067 pounds and, when poked, could giddyap to 60 mph in an adequate 7.1 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 15.3 at 91 mph. Lateral stick around the skidpad was a modest 0.81 g, limited by stability control that can’t be fully deactivated. Although our example was EPA-rated at 20/26 mpg city/highway—and fitted with a fairly unobtrusive engine stop/start system that can’t be disabled—our aggressive driving produced a disappointing 20-mpg average. Lay off the boost occasionally and you should fare better.

Sufficiently Nice

The Envision is slightly more interesting from the inside, albeit less premium in feel, than a similarly priced Audi or BMW. The layout is functionally attractive with a configurable 8.0-inch cluster display, as well as a clearly laid-out center stack topped by a similarly sized touchscreen. (Buick’s IntelliLink interface with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard, as is OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity.) Our car’s ebony trim and leather upholstery made for a gloomy environment, but sprinkles of brightwork and fetching swaths of dark, faux wood on the dash and doors lighten the vibe somewhat. While its quietness was not exceptional in terms of our sound readings, active noise cancellation keeps the din pleasantly low, the muffled 2.0-liter never raising its voice through the Buick’s blanket of sound insulation. At 72.4 inches wide, the Envision feels somewhat narrow, and three-abreast seating in back is pinched. But there’s ample room for two to stretch out lengthwise, with a rear bench that slides and reclines, along with a sizable 27-cubic-foot cargo hold that converts to 57 cubes when the 60/40-split rear seat is folded. Missteps include a lack of thigh and side support from the plush front seats; a bulky, split-door center console that intrudes on your elbows in turns; and an almost illegible analog timepiece on the dash that’s less than three inches from the digital clock in the infotainment display.

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Equipment levels vary considerably depending on the model, but even base Envisions starting at $34,990 come nicely equipped with 10 airbags, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rear camera. The top-dog Premium II adds a gamut of bells and whistles that you’d expect at near $50K, including a Bose premium audio system with navigation, GM’s vibrating safety-alert seat, outboard rear-seat heaters, front-seat ventilation, additional power outlets, blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist, a head-up display, automatic parking assist, adaptive HID headlights, and more. We’d forgo the fancier amenities and pocket the savings for the Premium I model at $43,245. At that price point, crossover buyers have many choices, and we imagine many will end up selecting more exciting vehicles, if only from a styling standpoint. But for those who prefer to live life at a more relaxed pace, the Envision is an accommodating cocoon from the toils of the road.